Segregation of Wastes

1. Sharps Waste (Red Container)

- Syringes, needles, lancets, broken glass, and other objects that can pierce the skin make
up sharps trash, which is a subset of infectious waste. They are one of the most harmful
wastes produced in healthcare because of their bacterial contamination and potential to
penetrate the skin's barrier. Sharps are kept separate in a pressurized red container.

2. Infectious Waste (Yellow Container)

- Infectious waste: waste polluted with blood and other bodily fluids (e.g., from wasted
diagnostic tests), infectious agent cultures and stocks from laboratories, or waste from
infected people. In a yellow container, infectious garbage is separated.

3. Chemical Waste (Yellow with black band)

- A chemical waste is any solid, liquid, or gaseous waste item that poses a significant
risk to human health if incorrectly managed or disposed of. Chemical waste is collected
in a yellow container with a black band around it.
- Examples:
- Spent solvents - including water based
- Mercury containing items
- Uncured Resins (Phenolic, Epoxy, Styrene)
- Dye and glazes
- Degreasing solvents

4. Radioactive/Nuclear Waste (Orange Container)

- Radioactive waste is defined as material that contains or is contaminated with

radionuclides at concentrations or activities that exceed clearance levels set by regulatory
authorities in particular nations, and for which no use is anticipated. In an orange bin,
radioactive
- Examples:
- Dry/solid (including sharps and polyacrylamide gels)
- Liquid
- Liquid scintillation vials (note brand of fluid used)
- Beta plate mats (note brand of fluid used)
- Animal carcasses.
5. Non-Infectious Wet Waste (Green Container)

- Wet garbage that isn't harmful to the environment. In a green container, non-infectious
wet waste is separated.

6. Non-Infectious Dry Waste (Black Container)

- Waste that is dry and does not constitute a health danger. In a

black container, non-infectious dry wastes are separated.
- Examples:
- Petri dishes
- pipettes
- test tubes
- forceps
- lab coats and gloves